West Jordan has new economic development director

Kent G. Andersen was sworn in at City Council on April 11 as
the new economic development director for West Jordan. He replaces David Oka,
who retired in December 2017. Andersen, a former city planner and most recently
the economic development director in Layton, answered some questions from the
West Jordan Journal about his position and what West Jordan can expect from him
in the future.

What are you
primary responsibilities as economic development director?

“Typically, they include implementing the vision of city
leadership, growing the tax base, interacting and attracting businesses,
marketing the community, removing barriers to business, building relationships,
proactive planning, reducing the amount of retail ‘leakage’ (when our residents
shop elsewhere for their goods or services), the list goes on and on. This
always leads me to when I get asked the question, ‘What is economic
development?’ I respond, ‘What isn’t it?’ My primary responsibilities as
economic development director will evolve with the environment and available
opportunities.”

What is your
education?

“I earned a master of public policy and administration from
California State University – Sacramento and a bachelor of science from Utah
State University.”

How is the
Economic Development Director selected for the city?

“The application process was typical, with a public
noticing, interview process and selection recommendation to the city manager.
The city did not reach out to me directly.”

What past
successes do you bring to West Jordan?

“I assisted in attracting a broad array of companies to
Layton, including advanced material manufacturers, SeaQuest Interactive
Aquarium, R.C Willey Home Furnishings (planned to begin construction this
year), just to name a few. I helped Layton City achieve a 21 percent increase
in sales tax revenue from 2012–2016 and an 18 percent increase in total taxable
sales during the same time frame. I participated in several transportation
projects, including a $42 million UDOT I-15 interchange improvement project,
West Davis Corridor planning, a Snowbasin Ski Bus and the free Midtown Trolley.
I also lead a rebranding effort for Layton and oversaw the implementation of
online business license applications.”

What works well in
West Jordan that you want to continue?

“There is significant momentum that is occurring in economic
development in the region, with the Inland Port, the growing Silicon Slopes,
etc. West Jordan is in a prime position to capitalize on this momentum. With a
central location in the Salt Lake Valley, strong population demographic and
available land adjacent to the Mountain View Corridor, West Jordan has a unique
opportunity to shape the economic growth of the region.”

What economic
changes do you see necessary for West Jordan? How will you make those changes?
What changes will be the most visible to the public?

“Important economic considerations that I will focus on will
include continued diversification of the economy, revitalizing and/or
redeveloping shopping centers, improving transportation infrastructure [and]
attracting strong tax base generator...The challenge with economic development
is that it takes time, and some of the most important projects that have the
greatest impact can take even more time. The public will not notice a change
overnight, but as time progresses, they will see the future of West Jordan’s
economy taking shape in a way that will have a positive impact.”